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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Schuylerville Cheerleaders Win Title; Rank 7th in State

The Schuylerville High School varsity cheerleading team poses at the state championship competition in Binghamton earlier this month. Photo via Schuylerville Central School District. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville High School varsity cheerleading team competed in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Competitive Cheerleading Championship in Binghamton earlier this month. The team ranked 7th in the state for Division 2 Large Varsity. Prior to the state competition, Schuylerville won its third consecutive Section 2 Class C Championship under Coach Charlene Becker.

Racing Museum Throws Birthday Party for Secretariat

Promotional flier provided by the
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will throw a birthday party for 1973 Triple Crown winner and Hall of Fame member Secretariat on Saturday, March 30. The celebration will include a screening of the Disney movie “Secretariat,” and mark the final day of the Museum’s exhibition “A Tremendous Machine: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown.”

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is included with the cost of regular Museum admission. Kids’ activities include a scavenger hunt, build-your-own trophy station, and birthday card design. Light refreshments and treats will be served.

On-Sale Dates for Track Tickets Announced; Oklahoma Track Opening Next Month

A horse practices on the Oklahoma Training Track. Photo via NYRA/Adam Coglianese.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On-sale ticket dates for the 2024 summer meet at the Saratoga Racecourse were announced by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) last week. NYRA also revealed the opening date for the Oklahoma Training Track.

On-Sale Dates for Track Tickets

Full-space group hospitality reservations are available beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13 for the following venues: 1863 Club, Paddock Suite, Surfside Party Deck at The Post, Stella Artois Spa Verandas, Mionetto Easy Goer, Big Red Spring, and Festival Tent.

Partial-space and individual table reservations will be available beginning March 27.

Additional tickets and hospitality offerings will go on sale the following dates:

March 20: Season admission passes; full-season reserved seating plans for the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and Cutwater Stretch

March 27: Partial-space and individual tables for the Rail at the 1863 Club, Mionetto Easy Goer, and Festival Tent

April 10: Partial meet plans for the Clubhouse, Grandstand, Cutwater Stretch, Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar, and Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock

April 25: Single-Day reservations for Clubhouse Box Seats and Clubhouse Dining (Turf Terrace, Porch, and Club Terrace)

May 2: Single-Day Reserved seats for the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and Cutwater Stretch

May 9: Single-Day reservations for the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar, Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock, and Surfside Tailgate at the Turn

May 15: General Admission

Reservations may be made by phone at 844-NYRA-TIX, email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com, or online at NYRA.com/Saratoga. The summer meet at the Saratoga Racecourse will open on Thursday, July 11 and continue through Monday, Sept. 2.

Oklahoma Track Opening Next Month

The Oklahoma Training Track at the Saratoga Racecourse will open for the 2024 season on Thursday, April 18. The Oklahoma barn area will open to licensed trainers and staff beginning Monday, April 15. As preparations continue for the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the main track will open on Monday, May 6, about one month earlier than usual. 

Due to ongoing construction at Belmont Park on Long Island, NYRA will waive stall rental fees at Saratoga for the spring training season beginning May 6, provided all trainer accounts are current through the end of 2023.

For more information, please visit www.nyra.com.

Local Children Audition for New York City Ballet 


Local children auditioning on Sunday, March 10, 2024 for roles with the NYCB for a summer performance at SPAC. Photo: Super Source Media Studios.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 100 local children took part in an audition to dance with New York City Ballet during its Saratoga season, July 9 – 13.

New York City Ballet Children’s Repertory Director Dena Abergel led the auditions seeking 24 children for roles in scenes from George Balanchine’s Coppélia. Auditions were staged at SPAC School of the Arts on South Broadway. 

Considered one of the greatest comedic ballets of the 19th Century, Coppélia premiered in Saratoga in 1974 and was co-commissioned by SPAC. Choreographed by George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova after Marius Petipa, it has remained one of the best-loved classical works in the ballet repertory.

Scenes from Coppélia will be featured as part of the Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes program on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, in addition to opening night’s NYCB On and Off Stage program on Tuesday, July 9.

Members Of Henrietta Lacks’ Family To Speak March 23 At Saratogareads! Keynote Event

The Lacks Family with Rebecca Skloot. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­—In recognition of SaratogaREADS! 20th Anniversary, Saratoga Springs Public Library asked the community to revisit by vote a previous community read selection. By popular vote, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” by Rebecca Skloot was chosen. 

For this year’s keynote event, SaratogaREADS! and Skidmore College will welcome two members of Henrietta Lacks’ family to Saratoga Springs, streaming to an in-person audience at Skidmore’s Gannett Auditorium, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Lacks’ great-grandaughter, Victoria Baptiste and daughter-in-law, Shirley Lacks will participate in a conversation about Henrietta’s legacy. 

The event does not require tickets or pre-registration, and is open to all.

Through SaratogaREADS! programming, the library plans to delve into a variety of the book’s themes – sexism, racism, classism, poverty, inequality, ethics, medicine, and other themes.

In addition to the keynote event, a variety of library programs inspired by the 2024 selection can be found at www.saratogareads.org, or on the library’s Events Calendar at www.sspl.org.

And All That Jazz: CLUE Murder Mystery Fundraiser to Benefit Saratoga Children’s Theatre March 22 

And All That Jazz, Friday March 22

GANSEVOORT — A captivating evening of jazz, spirits, and secrets is slated for the 6th Annual CLUE Murder Mystery Fundraiser to benefit Saratoga Children’s Theatre.  

The event – titled ‘And All That Jazz’ – will take place 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 22 at The Wishing Well, 745 Saratoga Road, Gansevoort. 

This year’s event will feature a full course meal and an enhanced collection of silent auction items. The theme is 1920s Jazz. Dress to impress. 

Cost is $100 per person and all proceeds benefit Saratoga Children’s Theatre ongoing programs, equipment upgrades and theater improvements. For more information   visit saratogachildrenstheatre.org/event-details-registration/6th-annual-clue-murder-mystery-night

Donny Osmond Coming To The Palace Theatre Stage In July


Donny Osmond live and in-person on July 3.

ALBANY — Donny Osmond will stage a show at The Palace Theatre on July 3. 

Osmond has sold over 100 million records, received 33 gold records and has performed for millions of fans around the globe during his six-decade long music career.

Currently, he headlines his award-winning solo residency at Harrah’s Las Vegas where he performs his hit songs, shares stories of his greatest showstopping memories and introduces brand new music in a new and completely reimagined song and dance celebration. 

Tickets range from $49.50 – $124.50 and are available via Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com, and at the Palace Theatre Box Office (located at 19 Clinton Ave., Albany). 

Jazz Ambassadors In Free Public Performance at UPH  

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The internationally acclaimed Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C. will continue its long tradition of presenting free public performances when they appear at Universal Preservation Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. The Jazz Ambassadors’ concert in Saratoga Springs is presented by Proctors Collaborative. 

The Jazz Ambassadors, a 19-member ensemble formed in 1969, is the official touring big band of the United States Army. 

The band’s repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, traditional New Orleans jazz, vocals and patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by members of the Jazz Ambassadors. 

The Jazz Ambassadors have appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and throughout Europe.

March 15 – 21, 2024

Friday, March 15

Tea and Talk

The Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 3-4 p.m. This month’s informal conversation is about how we ended up residing in the Galway area, whether a new arrival or a multi-generational resident. Tea and light refreshments will be served. Registration is requested at 518-882-6385. 

Head Over Heels ?

Saratoga Springs Highschool, Loewenberg Auditorium, 1 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs | 7:30 p.m. Saratoga Springs High School drama club presents the high school version of Head Over Heels, a delightful and lively celebration of love, following the hilarious escapades of a royal family on a whimsical journey to save their kingdom. Filled with exuberant energy and featuring songs by the iconic band, The Go-Go’s, this promises to be an unforgettable show that you won’t want to miss! Order tickets online https://gofan.co/app/school/NY13832. Additional performances March 16 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday, March 16

Fly-In Breakfast

Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy an assortment of pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit and more. Open to the public. At 10 a.m., Guest Speaker Jim Levy will present “Angel Flights”. Angel Flights Northeast is an organization created to help patients access lifesaving medical care through the gift of free medical flights. Fly-In if you would like. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

Community Rummage Sale / Chowder and Soup Sale ?

Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church, 768 Charlton Rd, Charlton |10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come and treat yourself to a variety of chowder or soup prepared in our own kitchen. Eat in or take out.

Katie: The Strongest of the Strong ?

The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls | 11 a.m. Free Family Performance. Opera Saratoga presents Katie: The Strongest of the Strong by Faye Chiao and Anton Dudley at venues across the Capital Region for children grades K-6. The 45-minute story celebrates women’s strength and confidence through the amazingly theatrical true story of Katie Sandwina, a circus strongwoman who defied cultural expectations and became instrumental in the U.S. suffrage movement. The opera is a wild, funny, musical way for students and families to learn about the importance of equal rights. Register at operasaratoga.org/katie-the-strongest-of-the-strong. March 23 Performance at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. 

Adirondack Turtles ?

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway |11 a.m., A program for all ages. Get a glimpse into the fascinating lives of freshwater turtles and their unique history and anatomy. Meet ambassador turtles from the Adirondacks and beyond and find out why turtles are disappearing and what we can do to make sure we have turtles to love for generations to come. The presenter is Debbie Philp, a NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator and founder of Dancing Turtle Rescue, a small non-profit dedicated to saving native freshwater turtles and their wetland habitats. This program is sponsored through the generosity of the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society. Registration is requested at 518-882-6385. 

Genealogy and Local History

Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville | 1 p.m. Alan Maddaus, writer, historical researcher, and engineer will lead the program: “The Preston’s of East Street-the Story of a 19th Century American Family.” Alan’s book follows the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Calvin Preston and their seven offspring, and how they experienced the many major events of the 1800s while living in the village of Galway. The public is welcome. For information call 518-885-9309 or email bhumphre@nycap.rr.com. 

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Benefit Dinner ?

Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa | 4 – 6 p.m. Menu includes: baked Ham, scalloped potatoes, applesauce, veggies, roll and dessert. Proceeds to benefit a lodge member. The cost is 2 for $30 or $17 each (cash only). Preorders strongly encouraged at dinners2619@gmail.com or call 518-885-1149, March 15 & 16 – 4 – 6 p.m. Limited quantities available at the door. All are welcome.

Sunday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Buffet?

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Open to the public. Cash at the door. Menu: Reuben stew, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, green bagels, waffles, Irish soda bread, fresh cut fruit, coffee, orange juice, iced tea, and sweets bar. Bloody Marys, Baileys, and Mimosas available at an additional cost. $15 Adults, $10 Kids, $13 Seniors. Served by: Simply Food by Maura. 

Medical Aid in Dying

Unitarian Universalist Saratoga Meeting House, 624 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11:30 a.m. This is such an important issue for an ageing generation. It is legal in many states and will be voted on in NY in June. Educate yourself on this topic that affects not only those facing terminal diagnoses, but their families as well. UUCSS will offer a film “How to Die in Oregon” (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1715802/) in support of passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York. Oregon was the first state to provide this option from which the New York bill is modelled. Bring your lunch (beverages provided) and a friend to learn more about this topic. For more information contact Julie Holmberg, 518-368-2356.

A Legend of the Opera

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra will be collaborating with Skidmore College for Johann Strauss’ English concert version of “Die Fledermaus” with a special appearance by members of Saratoga Voices. Presented in partnership with the Proctor’s Collaborative. Tickets are $17-$24. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets are available at sssony.org. 

Monday, March 18

The Thymly Herb Garden Group Monthly Meeting

4-H Training Center, 556 Middleline Rd, Ballston Spa | 9:45 a.m. – Noon. There will be a short herb of the month presentation by a member. Our guest speaker will be Joellen Lampman, from the NYS Integrated Pest Program. She will present the latest valuable Tick information. She will also bring a Tick Kit for each member in attendance. Light refreshments and a meeting following presentation. Dues for the year to join are $20. First time attendance is free. New members are always welcome. If the Ballston Spa School District has a delay or closes that day, then we will not meet. Please RSVP thymlyherbmail@gmail.com.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 2:30 p.m. Marie Thorne will be at this month’s meeting to discuss Help for PD and continue with an open forum. We will have an open discussion about our symptoms and questions/concerns amongst friends. Contact with questions:

Leader Gordon Blyth, contact information is gordonsblyth@gmail.com, 917-887-7980,

Co-Leader Marie Thorne softballmom300@yahoo.com 518-810-8483

Tuesday, March 19

The Trevett & Sons Chair Factory

Town of Greenfield Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center | 7 p.m. Town of Greenfield Historical Society program hosted by Providence Town Historian Bob Wemple. Mr. Wemple will share the history of the Chair Factory which was located in the town of Providence. The factory was in operation from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. Bob and his wife Sue will bring several examples of Trevett chairs from their personal collection. If it is a snow day for Saratoga Springs City School District, we will need to cancel. The public is welcome, no entry fees.

Wednesday, March 20

Pickin’ Session Afternoon Jam

Milton Community Center 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa | 1 – 3 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel and bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience, and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.

Chicken and Biscuits Dinner Take Out

Saratoga – Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetable salad. Cost is $15 per dinner. Cash only.

Astronomy Club 

Galway Public Library, 2112 East Street, Galway | 6:30 p.m. This group meets regularly on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This month there will be a presentation on solar eclipse photography & a review of equipment needed for viewing & photographing the eclipse. There will be a Star Gazing Party with several telescopes set up to see interesting sights in the sky. The Club is open to adults and teens (middle school and older). Registration is requested, but not required, by calling 518-882-6385.

Thursday, March 21

Downsizing Seminar 

The Summit at Saratoga Senior Living Community, 1 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs | 1:30 p.m. Featuring Equitas Realty Broker Janet Besheer and Organize Senior Moves owner Lori Tracey. Come at 1 p.m. to speak with Summit residents. RSVP at 518-430-2136 or email cdurant@summitseniorlife.com. 

The Rise and Fall of Ballston Spa as a Resort

Zoom presentation, 7 p.m. The Saratoga County History Center (SCHC) at Brookside Museum announces a virtual presentation by Theodore Corbett for the “Experts Next Door” series. After the Revolutionary War, the new nation’s earliest resorts were spas, following the tradition of those in England. Ballston Spa was one of the earliest and soon eclipsed its rivals in terms of springs, hotels, and amenities. New York City’s Nicholas Low was the most enterprising of the Spa’s developers. By the 1830s, however, Saratoga Springs’ resort had surpassed Ballston Spa, which continued, using its waterpower and railroad to establish the mills of the Industrial Revolution. The event is open to the public. It is free for SCHC members, and $5 for non-members. Pre-registration is required through the website www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast ?

Ballston Spa High School, 220 Ballston Avenue, Ballston Spa |7 p.m. Ballston Spa High School’s Troupe is proud to present their production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featuring over 80 high school students on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the orchestra pit. Together, the entire production company has poured their time, energy, and talent into creating a magical “tale as old as time” experience for the audience. Additional performances March 22, and 23 at 7 p.m., with two matinees on March 23 and 24 at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online through showtix4u at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/81343. Tickets are also sold at the door.

HHH Episode 20, March 2024

In this episode, Dr Christine discusses historical women in medicine in this Women’s History Month of March. Charlie also talks about Women’s Suffrage and the Saratoga Springs ties to the movement in the 1800s. Finally, Brien discusses the 2024 road to the triple crown and its path right through our beloved city Saratoga Springs.